A lot went down for us in 2008 and we're relieved that we survived to see another day. Don't get me wrong, last year was full of blessings and a year we will not forget. However, I'm glad 2008 is behind us and I feel renewed for 2009. For starters, we finally shared with our friends and family that we're expecting. It was only seven months ago that I married my high school sweetheart and became a husband. Now in six short months, I'll become a father.

Our little bun in the oven.

One of my goals for 2009 is to provide everything I can for our mystery baby to grow up healthy in her/his baby mama's belly. Day dreaming of my baby's health brings back memories of all the nonsense my father advised as I was growing up. One advise my father would constantly share was to eat more of kimchee, spicy pickled cabbage, everyday to keep the doctor away. The way he shared it with me was as religious as the Greek father with Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. If I ever broke a bone, he would probably have scolded me for not eating enough kimchee to strengthen my bones. I would wager my pinky that my father would've smeared my face with kimchee if I ever developed a serious face rash. A "Korean" remedy, but an honest advice to ensure my heath and longevity. I'll be keeping the kimchee jar closed until my baby starts developing a butt rash, but I'm glad to have had such unique fatherly advice to help me prepare to be Superman to my baby.

I have two goals I want to keep in 2009: to be the best daddy for our mystery baby and be an awesome husband to my baby (wife) carrying our baby.

To all my readers, I hope for prosperity for y'all in 2009.

James Kim ::: RSS Me ::: Twitter Me ::: Facebook Me
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Date: 10.20.2008 | Location: Charles and Sunny's Home

I can't believe it took me more than four weeks to edit my first family session with Sunny, Charles, and Colette. I dropped off the pictures today and I'm in disbelief at how much Colette has grown. She has more hair and now has two front teeth! She needs to stop growing! Although she is equally adorable every time I see her. If she doesn't melt your heart, then I must be a terrible photographer. Colette, you are loved.

The two pictures below were sneak peaks in another post, but now are part of my Colette collection.

Mama Sunny protecting Colette from the world.

Papa Charles helping his daughter grow, grow, and grow some more.

Ten reasons why we heart Colette:

1. According to Google, Colette means "people of victory." Viva la Colette!

2. She does whatever she wants because she is a strong, independent baby.

3. Colette is a natural multi-tasker. Even I can't eat and sleep at the same time.

4. I think she can stop wars!

5. Charles put his old lunch box in Colette's room for her to enjoy. How cool is that?

6. Sunny tried putting her to sleep, but Colette is a diva and didn't want me to stop taking pictures of her. Snap, snap!

7. She knows how to have fun.

8. It doesn't matter what it is, she will put it in her mouth. Move over Dora the Explorer; Colette is cuter and a better explorer.

9. I loved how she explored my finger. Awesome!

Finally, how can you not love Colette to death?!?!

I daydreamed how weird it'll be if Colette decides to use my baby pictures of her for her wedding slideshow. I'm freaking myself out with the thought, and I'm probably inducing a heart attack with her parents by mentioning this. Kind of scary and exciting to imagine how my photos can be used in the future. Time to go and give my camera a big hug!

You don't need to be a Xanga peep to drop a comment. Lets talk!

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Date: 11.26.2008 | Location: The Hilton

I knew the proposal was coming, but not the day before Thanksgiving. I still can't believe how it played out and I think I was more surprised than Katie. I love Shin and I know that Shin is in good hands with Katie. We're off to enjoy some turkey, but we're still and !

I'm only sharing four Photoshoped images because it was a moment that should be shared with family and friends by Katie and Shin, not me.

I almost teared up when I saw it, and the little "nuggets" Shin put into it was gold.

Shin, it's not too late to run away to California with me!

Shin's last surprise was an engagement party. Surprise!!!

Katie is explaining the proposal for the millionth time. It'll never end!

Congratulations you two!!! We love you both and we can't wait to attend your wedding next year. We are invited, right?

James Kim ::: RSS Me ::: Twitter Me ::: Facebook Me
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If you know of Tron and The Big Lebowski then you need no explanation of Jeff Bridges' greatness. He also played Obadiah Stane in Iron Man earlier this year, and he happened to document his Iron journey with beautiful black and white photos. Instead of keeping the pictures to himself, Mr. Bridges put together a photo diary titled "Making Iron Man" that is a collection of his personal behind-the-scenes shots of Iron Man. His photo diary is very intimate, and his photos are beautifully shot. I would love to photography a movie, but for now I have to live out my dream through Mr. Bridges' eyes. I dig his "Making Iron Man" and you will, too.

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Date: 11.17.1998 | Location: Indian Ridge Park, Northbrook

Ten years ago, I suggested in a park with body signs to my high school crush that we turn legit, and start a dream together unlike other dreams we had when we were separate. Exactly six months ago, we vowed to each other to be forever as one and promised with words to keep the dream alive. Our unbelievable story started ten years ago, and I know we will never cease to be dreamers because our story is truly one of a kind.

Nikon D200 - 50mm - f/4 - 1/200s

Dawn from la Storia foto, shared with me today, while discussing our wedding album, that loving a child is unmeasurable and undoubtedly the greatest love my heart will ever feel. I can't wait to start dreaming with our future kids.

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Date: 11.02.2008 | Locations: Springfield and St. Louis

Tyler wanted to take his M3 convertible for a downtown spin and somehow we ended up in St. Louis. Along the way, we made a pit stop and kidnapped Jane from her Springfield home. It was a grueling trip and a little disappointing because the Anheuser-Busch tour in St. Louis was closed, but I enjoyed hanging out with Janny's friends. Completing the tour of Anheuser-Busch is still on my list, but next time I'm taking my wifey with me. Thanks Jane and Jen for opening up your homes and showing us around!

Freak! Please don't poo on me!

The M3 convertible survived, but I didn't. There is no leg and head space in the back.

I've seen pumpkins carved to look like Obama, Mario, and other celebrities, but Jane's asian pumpkin is a first. Cute!

We visited the Arch because the tour for Anheuser-Busch was closed. I was a little cranky because I wanted to sample free Busch beer and pretzels.

We were stuck in a white box with no ventilation for 5 minutes and completely confused as to how we were traveling up the Arch. Prison?!?!

Not Chicago, but it's a nice view.

I'm not sure why I suggested this pose, but the three Charlie's Angels rocked it!

Do you see it? Go U.I.C!!!

A sneak peak at what I'm working on.

I can't wait to post more and share with y'all my family session with Sunny, Charles, and Colette.

This is my first post that I actually finished in one day. Go me!

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Date: 10.12.2008 | Location: North Michigan, Chicago

It's strange to think that this shoot with Gina and Paul was only my second engagement shoot. The first was almost a year ago with close friends, Karyn and Brian. Why has it been so long? I was busy getting ready to take my high school sweetheart down the aisle.

To share with you my narrow mind and experience, I must tell you that we started shooting around 5 p.m. My wifey kept nagging me that there wasn't going to be enough natural light to capture Gina and Paul, but I reassured her with my cocky smile that everything was going to be fine. After the session, I was left with a bum butt because camera noise really kicked my ass. Lesson learned, and I hope to continue to learn how to create light and not rely so much on mother nature. Man, I dislike it when my wifey is RIGHT!

Thank you Gina and Paul for your huge grins and sweet moments you let me capture. It was a blast hanging out with you both, and we wish you two the best in Korea! It was more of a blast because my tired wifey was able to make it out and hold my equipment for me in the freezing cold.

Just like how a hunter enjoys going back to his favorite hunting spot; Gina was quick to suggest we go back to the first place Paul wooed Gina. Thanks again for using this picture for your save the date e-mail!

It didn't matter if we were surrounded by grumpy people, or speeding cars. They were always smothering each other with kisses.

Love is... nothing is better than being loved.

Sometimes all the emotions I'm looking for is right in front of me. If a psychologist were to analyze their body language, the conclusion would be... LOVE! On a side note, Janny likes how Paul's butt is glowing, and I happily agree with her.

When life blatantly gives you one perfect roll, you pass GO with your $200 in hand and never look back. Even though Janny thinks I blurred the picture too much, I think it works. But I listened to my wifey and lessened the effect for the actual picture.

We're always on the move and splitting ourselves into multiple copies to satisfy our busy lives. Sometimes we just need to chill and solute ourselves for a job well done.

This picture is not going to win any awards, or recognition. But I'm showcasing this picture because it reminds of how little I know about lighting a scene and it encourages me to keep seeking after the light.

My FAVORITE shot! I'm a huge Apple fanboy, and I was planning this shot the entire time we were at dinner. Janny and I kind of wish it was us instead of Gina and Paul because they're PCs. I think we're going to call up Dawn and Bob for a post-marriage shoot and rock this shot.

I've been a little critical with myself with this post and I might have embarrassed myself, but I like to be open about my personal journey with photography and try to keep this blog real. With that out of the way, I've been contemplating lately about the equipment I should be purchasing and what I should be learning. I think I'm going back to experimenting with cinematography because lighting a scene with video in mind is striking when captured on digital film (dSLR). Wish me luck and I hope to share with you my long journey with film lighting! : )

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Date: 10.12.2008 | Location: Old Town, Chicago

A big "THANKS" goes out to Don Boardman for inviting me to capture the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. It was incredible to capture thousands of runners competing with themselves and against the clock for bragging rights. A BIG congratulations goes out to the thousands of runners who finished the dreadfully long (26 miles) marathon!!! I'm a little envious of the finishers because I have a desire to run one. But my spirit is weak and I can only run for three miles before I break down in tears.

On a side note... This past Sunday was a busy Sunday for me and I had a blast being busy all day long. I woke up at 6 a.m. to shoot (photos, not pot shots) the marathon until noon, and in the evening I hooked up with a great couple for an engagement shoot. I have to admit, it was thrilling to be as busy as Bob and Kenny. I'm addicted and I want more!

It was a beautiful morning for a marathon. We're both hanging around and waiting for the "herd."

Before the lead runners, we witnessed wheelchair racing. The determination to compete and finish a marathon in a wheelchair is unbelievable to witness.

My new hero!

"Can you please slow down and wait for us?!?!" - Guy Runners

I feel a little claustrophobic when I look at this picture.

He wore what?! What did he do?! WoW!

Yes, this Xanga blog is number one! Thanks!

I'm still in disbelief with his outfit. But I love his smiling baguette!

I fooled myself into thinking I was on assignment for Fleet Feet Sports, and I tried different angles to include the company's logo with the runners. Thank you Elizabeth at Fleet Feet for the opportunity to capture the marathon at Fleet Feet's corner!

Fleet Feet graciously entertained the runners with an Elvis impersonator, and Elvis definitely worked his hips to keep the runners' spirits high. This guy had a little too much spirit.

My favorite costume at the marathon, and my other hero. How can you NOT applaud this man for integrating four superheroes into one outfit and for his impeccable taste? What do you get when you combine the Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, and Obama? Super Obaternsubaman!!!

"Doc, I have this pounding headache! It won't stop and nothing helps." - The Ground
I went low like "down-low" Kristie and I think I captured a shot that no other photographer took.

Sometimes being an adult sucks! I want to go back to being young again, and have the freedom to play with a sword balloon to battle intergalactic aliens because that is what little kids should be doing.

Thanks Don for the invite and introducing me to marathon photography! Guess which one is Don? (Answer: elddiM)

The gear I carried around for the marathon: Nikon D200, 12-24mm f/4, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, and 50m f/1.8. I took over 800 images and afterwards, I enjoyed over 400 of my images. I submitted 100 pictures to Fleet Feet and narrowed it down to 14 pictures for Xanga. A little F.Y.I.

James Kim ::: RSS Me ::: Twitter Me ::: Facebook Me
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I frequent Scott Kelby's blog for tips and scoops on photography and Adobe products. I don't know him personally but from what I gather, he's a little wacky. He updates his blog frequently, and he's NO dummy when it comes to Photoshop and photography. I dig Scott Kelby and you should dig him, too.

One of my dreams is to work for Apple as a software engineer, or to be considered an "elite" photographer and be in Aperture's "secret" group. I can't join Apple's team right now because I'm a little under qualified, but that is not going to stop me from supporting Apple. I my 1st generation iPhone. I desperately want to purchase the 2nd generation iPhone, but I have no money. But forget feeling sorry for me because I'm going to win a $500 Apple gift card. Mr. Kelby is hosting an iPhone contest, and the grand prize winner gets a $500 Apple gift card. He is also giving out $100 iTunes gift cards to the winner in each category. If you don't own an iPhone then this is a good excuse to purchase one. I guarantee you'll love it! Check out the contest and good luck!

   

The two pictures I submitted:
Picture One - Family Category
I hooked a beautiful catch!

Picture Two - Pets Category
Dogs can learn new tricks! Corny, I know.

If you decide to join, please share with me your submitted pictures.

James Kim ::: RSS Me ::: Twitter Me ::: Facebook Me
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Date: 09.20.08 | Wedding Location: Garvan Woodland Gardens | Photographer: Stacy Gough

I'm a little speechless and as a blogger I can't be speechless. I'm lost for words in trying to describe... Instead of words I'll use emoticons. I'm for Linda and Ashton. I now have a white brother from Akransas, ! Our family is complete and we're .

Leading up to the wedding, we were embraced and welcomed by Ashton's family and we can't thank them enough for showing us Arkansas love. Thank you to the Woodwards and the Yates family! We hope we can be generous hosts like y'all were to us when you come visit Chicago.

You can drop a comment even if you're not a Xanga member. I look forward to hearing from you!

The little sucker didn't have a chance on our 11 hour car ride to Arkansas.

I dislike big dogs because I was attacked by one when I was five years old. Kane and Mr. T were freaking me out, but Kane is a sweet dog. For a dog to become part of our family, it needs to be able to fit into my coat pocket.

Her name is Brownie aka Brown Face, and this is Ashton and Linda's baby. Can you believe Janny was there as a dog doctor when Brown Face gave birth to 8 pups?!?! Anyway, the only way to get her full attention is with a tennis ball.

The Anthony Chapel in Garvan Woodland Gardens is truly a stunning chapel. You feel "naked" inside the chapel because you're surrounded by 50-foot-tall glass walls and oversized skylights that overlook the surrounding woodlands.

I think my wife is adorable, but she hates posing for me. : )-

A BIG hug goes out to Dinah and her family. Thank you for welcoming us and opening up your hearts to us.

Stunning! Architecturally amazing! Running out of adjectives...

Skip forward to the wedding day. The girls are getting ready in the next room and I'm with my father-in-law. After a short talk he pulls up a chair and his mind just wanders off into the woodlands. This is my favorite moment because that day he was going to let go of his eldest daughter, and he was probably using that time to remember all the joys of raising Linda. I showed this image to Janny and she teared up a little. Now my father-in-law has two sons and two daughters.

Linda's last (long) walk as a Jun.

I'm a goof! Can you blame me for playing around with this image in Photoshop?

I'm betting that Linda will probably dislike this photo because girls (in general) are critical unless the picture is extremely overexposed. For me, I think it's awesome to start the marriage laughing.

This beautiful lit tree was the center piece of the reception area, and my creative brain was going *click, *click but nobody was in front of it when I was ready. Well... I was across the room when Janny pointed out that Ashton and her sister were dancing. Dang it! I ran back to our table and flipped a couple of dials on my camera... Not quite the setting I wanted to be in for this moment, but it is a moment captured.

We wish you two the best. We <3 you both!

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